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Drought action needed

Met Office analysis suggests that the UK could experience a 1976-style drought every 10 years, and the Environment Agency said that with the population of London and the South East set to grow by 23% by 2035, action should be taken now.

Homes need to be prepared and adapted

"The extremes of weather that we saw last year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate.

In 2012 we saw environmental damage caused by rivers with significantly reduced flows, hosepipe bans affecting millions and farmers and businesses left unable to take water from rivers.

But we also saw the wettest year on record in England, with around 8,000 homes flooded. Interestingly 2007 - which also saw some of the most severe flooding in recent memory - also started the year with hosepipe bans.

More of this extreme weather will exacerbate many of problems that we already deal with including flooding and water scarcity, so taking action today to prepare and adapt homes, businesses, agricultural practices and infrastructure is vital."